melissa@cruisecritic Posted April 2, 2010 #1 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Can't wait to see what P&O's new Azura is really like, inside and out? Cruise Critic's going to be onboard next weekend for its splashy Southampton launch -- and you're invited to tour the ship with us via live streaming video on Saturday, 10 April! It's one of the most exciting cruise ship events happening this year in the U.K. Azura shares its basic layout with its family-friendly predecessor, Ventura -- but that's about it. The ship will sail longer itineraries and feature a more refined onboard ambience. A few other things we're excited about: 18 single cabins, a first for the line; an adults-only sun deck sanctuary called The Retreat; a wine bar created by TV personality Olly Smith; and an Indian restaurant overseen by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar of Benares fame. Got questions you'd like us to ask and answer as we explore Azura, camera and viewers in tow, and chat with folks onboard? Post them here -- we'll get to as many as possible. Thanks in advance for your questions -- and for tuning in for our special broadcast! We'll post exact times here as soon as they're firmed up. Stay tuned… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Rare LauraS Posted April 2, 2010 Administrators #2 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Thanks, Melissa. I'm *very* interested in those single cabins, as I often sail alone. Also, would love to know whether the sanctuary will be first-come, first served, or can you reserve a chair for periods of time (as they do on Princess) for a fee? Laura Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica@cruisecritic Posted April 2, 2010 #3 Share Posted April 2, 2010 I'm always interested in how vegetarian-friendly a cruise ship is. I have high hopes for the Indian restaurant -- can you check out a few menus for me? Also, I like to be active onboard. I'd love to see pictures of the fitness center and any outdoor recreational areas. Is there a good walking track? And how big is the gym and what classes are offered? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globester Posted April 2, 2010 #4 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Go everywhere! Can't wait to see what it's like. Hate to ask you to check out the bars (!) but interested to see if they've come up with anything special. Will be logging on for the video tour. Will we be able to ask live questions again like on the Oasis video tour? That was fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissa@cruisecritic Posted April 2, 2010 Author #5 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Hey Globester, glad you'll be logging on! We're taking the questions ahead this time around because we think it'll make it easier in the long for us to get lots of answers...but we promise, it'll still be lots of fun :D Go everywhere! Can't wait to see what it's like. Hate to ask you to check out the bars (!) but interested to see if they've come up with anything special. Will be logging on for the video tour. Will we be able to ask live questions again like on the Oasis video tour? That was fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jocap Posted April 2, 2010 #6 Share Posted April 2, 2010 Melissa- will you be wearing a badge? We'll be on board, and it would be interesting to meet someone from CC. Jo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEESRE Posted April 3, 2010 #7 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Being as though they have got rid of the Cyb@centre on G deck, like the one on Ventura, what are theyn going to do about people wanting to log on to the web etc.?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor@cruisecritic Posted April 3, 2010 #8 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Hi. Alas, Melissa won't be there -- but we'll have a nice contingent from Cruise Critic U.K. on hand -- Kelly Ranson, our U.K. editor, Sue Bryant, our contributing editor (she'll be hosting the video tour) and me.... Please say hello. Carolyn Carolyn Spencer Brown Editor in Chief Cruise Critic Melissa- will you be wearing a badge? We'll be on board, and it would be interesting to meet someone from CC.Jo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraLass41 Posted April 4, 2010 #9 Share Posted April 4, 2010 Hi I am going to this event too, very excited. Have the black/white and gold outfit ready, is there a web link I can email my family so they can watch the event live and look out for us?! I remember watching the Ventura naming ceremony live on the internet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seabourndt Posted April 4, 2010 #10 Share Posted April 4, 2010 when is the naming ceremony/fireworks? dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraLass41 Posted April 4, 2010 #11 Share Posted April 4, 2010 The naming ceremony is at 8pm and fireworks at 8.20pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraLass41 Posted April 4, 2010 #12 Share Posted April 4, 2010 From Southampton County Council website: Voyage Into The Blue - a FREE event for all the family in Mayflower Park on Saturday 10 April from 5pm. This unique event will include the naming of Azura, the amazing human catapult in 'Journey to the edge of the world', plus fireworks, dance, music, funfair and more... Watch out for your chance to win a weekend break with P&O Cruises! The naming of Azura Don't miss this chance to watch the sparkling naming ceremony of P&O Cruises latest superliner - Azura on a big screen in Mayflower Park followed by a spectacular firework display. Ceremoniously blessing a ship before it sails out to sea is a time-honoured tradition and ballerina Darcey Bussell will lead the celebrations by becoming godmother to Azura. Journey To The Edge Of The World Brought to you by the Nuffield Theatre and the team behind Midsummer Dreams.... A lunatic pythonesque story packed full of humour, danger, singing and waterfalls, featuring jaw-dropping human catapults and bouncing stilts. French acrobatic theatre geniuses 'Les 3 Points de Suspension' present this incredible show in English after getting rave reviews all over Europe. Programme of Activities in Mayflower Park From 5pm: Dance performances, funfair and live music 6.30pm: Journey To The Edge Of The World 8pm: The naming of Azura shown live on the Big Screen 8.20pm: Fireworks Finale All timings are approximate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38anchor Posted April 6, 2010 #13 Share Posted April 6, 2010 I have booked A101 (January 2011) and have booked a CC category cabin on D deck - namely D732. This is the very last Aft cabin Port side, and we know on Ventura that this has a double balcony (it is the bit that curves which means the balcony is larger). We would love to know if its the same on Azura, as all the initial renderings did show a balcony divider BOTH sides, which meant it would be a normal width balcony. Thanks Oh, and pics of a Superior Deluxe Balcony Stateroom would be great - thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seabourndt Posted April 6, 2010 #14 Share Posted April 6, 2010 i too am interested in the single cabins i have booked f332 for oct. i will be at mayflower park wish i was going aboard but hopefully yoiu will show us most of what is inside david templar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinosoar Posted April 7, 2010 #15 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Hi .sailing on Maiden Monday so looking forward to it. This will be my 60th cruise with P & O since 1978. Was on last trip of Canberra which was a fantastic experience so am interested to see how a maiden compares. Tried to get invite to naming ceremony but no luck so looking forward to Cruise Critic link on Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bacardi queen Posted April 7, 2010 #16 Share Posted April 7, 2010 How far in advanced are the singles cabins already booked? Will there be a special rate for single occupation in other cabins if the singles are sold out?:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahac Posted April 7, 2010 #17 Share Posted April 7, 2010 We're booked to go in October and have a cabin booked with bunk beds. We would love to see what they look like, as we've been unable to find a picture anywhere. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jo-b Posted April 7, 2010 #18 Share Posted April 7, 2010 I would be interested to know why the new ship is registered in Southampton when all their others have been re registered in Hamilton which I had understood to be so that they could have weddings at sea? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turfy Tog Posted April 7, 2010 #19 Share Posted April 7, 2010 Hi, I would be obliged if you could check out cabins at the back end of the Azura for me please - B 751 and B753. How big are the balconys? Obscured views? Room layout? Single or double beds? Do they look as if they are same size room as the other balconys on the side? Any chance of some pics? What is the view at this end? In your opinion is the view as good as a side cabin? (probably personal preference). Thanking you in advance. I am considering booking a cabin at the back end of the Azura and never having a cabin at the back before am curious. Looking at these rooms atm. thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly@ Posted April 8, 2010 #20 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Hi .sailing on Maiden Monday so looking forward to it. This will be my 60th cruise with P & O since 1978. Was on last trip of Canberra which was a fantastic experience so am interested to see how a maiden compares. Tried to get invite to naming ceremony but no luck so looking forward to Cruise Critic link on Saturday. Wow, 60 cruises with P&O! Impressive! We hope you enjoy the video tour! And of course, your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenR_UK Posted April 8, 2010 #21 Share Posted April 8, 2010 We're booked to go in October and have a cabin booked with bunk beds. We would love to see what they look like, as we've been unable to find a picture anywhere. Thanks I wasn't aware there were cabins with bunk beds on Azura :confused: - what cabin number is it (or grade if you don't want to give out the number)? Karen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEESRE Posted April 8, 2010 #22 Share Posted April 8, 2010 I wasn't aware there were cabins with bunk beds on Azura :confused:- what cabin number is it (or grade if you don't want to give out the number)? Karen I think you will find that the poster means Pullman Berths the ones that pull out from the ceiling. I have never seen bunk beds. Would be interested also to see how far the overhang is in cabins on Riveira deck at the aft end of the deck. Thanks Rex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenR_UK Posted April 8, 2010 #23 Share Posted April 8, 2010 I think you will find that the poster means Pullman Berths the ones that pull out from the ceiling. I have never seen bunk beds. Rex Ah, I hadn't considered that - I had visions of the QE2 cabin I had as a solo in 2006 with the pull down upper berth over the only lower berth & very little floor space around :eek: (plenty of wardrobe space though - well it was Cunard;) ) I thought for a second Azura was going back in time:D thanks:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old git Posted April 8, 2010 #24 Share Posted April 8, 2010 38ANCHOR we have cabins 729---731 CC grade going on the 10 may,like them i'de like to see?? also not been on one as big as is there plenty of deck space for everyone??? is there anywhere to quietly hide away. awaiting with baited breath,will we like it????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niftyfifty14 Posted April 9, 2010 #25 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hey Globester, glad you'll be logging on! We're taking the questions ahead this time around because we think it'll make it easier in the long for us to get lots of answers...but we promise, it'll still be lots of fun :D :):) Very envious of you Melissa, being able to visit Azura this weekend, I've got to wait til end of May! Enjoy! I would love to know what it will cost to eat in the alternative restaurants, like Sindu, and how far in advance we have to book them? Also will they be putting their Spa prices on-line, not for the suites but for their treatments? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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